About

Friendship Court Apartments is a community of 150 apartments on 11.75 acres in the heart of Charlottesville’s downtown and in the middle of the City’s Strategic Investment Area (SIA). Formerly known as Garrett Square, the property was built in 1978 with project-based Section 8 assistance. In 2002, Piedmont Housing Alliance and National Housing Trust/Enterprise Preservation Corporation (NHT/E) partnered to acquire and renovate the property, preserving this important community of affordable housing then at risk of conversion to market rate housing. Since then, Piedmont Housing has been a minority partner in the ownership of the property, coordinating services for the 150 families and the 266 children who reside there. As a minority partner, we have had no active part in the management or operation of the property.

In 2018, that will change, as Piedmont Housing will become the managing partner for the community, and will have decision-making authority with regard to property management, services, and the business affairs of the partnership, and will have the opportunity to acquire the property.

This provides Piedmont Housing with a unique opportunity to work with residents, neighbors, stakeholders, and the City over the next three years to create an inclusive, vibrant vision for the future of Friendship Court. While its residents have economic challenges, with 96% single parent households and a median household income of $10,800, Friendship Court is home to a vibrant community and resilient families with valuable life experiences that will guide the design for a brighter future.